Here to inspire you, it’s Real Weddings Wednesdays! Today, we present Liana and Don!

Wedding Date: September 13, 2019

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:
Liana: We have a long story–but to try to sum it up, we met at our church’s young adult bible study when I was in high school and he in college. We remained good friends for five years, became a couple for three years, and in the fourth year Don proposed in love month (February) and then we planned our wedding in seven months.

Don: We’re two nerds who wanted a dream nerd wedding location and be able to pepper in easter eggs for our nerdy friends/family but still have it looks nice for our less nerdy friends/family.

What was the most amazing part of your day?
Liana: Seeing my high school crush and college sweetheart at the end of the aisle and realizing that this dream was real life.

Don: The best venue. The best food. The best people. And leaving because that was the moment I realized that I was going to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend and it didn’t end there–it was just the beginning.

What else would you like to share about your big day? We asked God to help plan every detail and for each person to have fun and feel special and loved individually. I learned that God cares about every detail even more than I do–and God is able bring about plans that are even better than I dreamed.

Ceremony and Reception Site: Empire Mine State Historic Park

Photographer and Photo Booth: Image Society

Officiant: Pastor Manny Tabujara

Caterer: A Family Affair Catering

DJ: Someone Said Yes!

Cake: DIY by friend

Donuts: Sweet Dozen

Flowers: Purchased from Sam’s Club, DIY by family

Bridal Attire: Garnet and Grace Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids Attire: Azazie

Groom’s Suit: Jos. A Bank

Groomsmen’s Suits: Alain Dupetit

Hair: DIY by family

Makeup: DIY by friend

Invitations: CrushPapers on Etsy

Favors: FlowerSeedPaper on Etsy

Honeymoon Location: San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Japan

First Dance Song: “I See the Light (Tangled)” by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?
Liana: Savor every moment. Remember that good or bad it will soon pass. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff and too short to forget the good things. It’s not a show it’s a party.

Don: Don’t stress on the small stuff–look at the big picture. Remember that everyone there is to celebrate you two, not the venue.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?
Liana: Delegate more tasks. Over-communicate our plans. Brief my bridesmaids on what to do as a bridesmaid so they’d feel stressed. Make more time to greet everyone and dance more.

Don: Take more pictures. Make more time to greet everyone and dance more.

Photos courtesy of and copyright Image Society, used with permission.

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